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Monday, September 15, 2008

Potty Training 101

School wasn't totally out of session for us this past summer. The one major class that we were all participating in was Potty Training 101 - round 7. You would think that with myself and my six other chidren, we would have successfully completed this course in no time. WRONG. I don't know what it is about this last little one, but he is just not cooperating.

I have had a child in diapers every day for the past 16 1/2 years. If one was moving on to big kid pants, then there was a baby right behind him or her in diapers just to make sure we didn't break our long standing tradition. Had I known then how long I would have to be buying diapers, I think it would have been fun to see how many packages of diapers I bought and how much it cost me. On second thought, maybe I don't want to know. I probably could have paid off my house by now.

Anyhow, I just don't understand why peer pressure alone hasn't caused him to give in and go on the potty. You would think with all his brothers and sisters telling him about how big kids go on the potty, how they go on the potty, how only little babies go in their diapers, that he would give in and go. He is such a laid back little boy that none of it really matters much to him. Maybe I will appreciate that trait when he is older and faced with peer pressure, but I am not appreciating it now.

In addition to peer pressure, we have tried bribes - from candy to trips with mom to sleepovers. We have tried a sticker chart. We have tried the power of prayer. We have tried joking about it with him and we have gotten frustrated with him; all to no-avail. This kid is one tough nut to crack. The only time he has been consistent in telling us that he has to go to the bathroom is during the family rosary and at Mass. HHHMMM. Oh well, maybe he knows that he probably is my last little one and he just doesn't want to rush out of this phase for fear of upsetting me!

Try potty training rewards. This worked great for our son. He loved pushing the audio push button hearing he is a Big Boy and opening a door to find a chocolate surprise. He really became involved. He was peeing and pooping in his potty within a week. I know every child is different, but have a look and see if this would work for you. www.pottytrainingrewards.com